Although variability exists with regard to how researchers define the sexual orientation exploration process and outcomes for adolescents, sexual orientation identity development is “generally conceptualized as a process of becoming aware of one’s same sex attractions, incorporating such experiences into one’s overall sense of self, and ‘coming out’ to others” ( Mustanski, Kuper, & Greene, 2014, p. Many contemporary perspectives on sexual orientation suggest that the broader construct of sexual orientation includes elements of sexual attraction, sexual behavior, sexual identity/identification, and romantic orientation/relationships ( Institute of Medicine, 2011 Mustanski, Kuper, & Greene, 2014 Rosario & Schrimshaw, 2014). Sexual orientation is a complex and multi-dimensional construct that is differentially defined by researchers and practitioners based on both theoretical and practical considerations ( Rosario & Schrimshaw, 2014).
One critical aspect of identity formation for adolescents is an exploration of one’s sexual orientation identity. Sexual Orientation Identity Development among Adolescents Exploration and subsequent commitment to unified adult identities has been associated with higher levels of psychological health and lower rates of health-related risk behaviors for various populations of adolescents and emerging adults ( Duman, Ellis, & Wolfe, 2012 Ritchie, Meca, Medrazo, Schwartz, Hardy, Zamboanga et al., 2013 Rogers-Sirin & Gupta, 2013 Rotheram-Borus, 1989 Wiley & Berman, 2013). In order to develop a cohesive and integrated sense of identity in these different realms, adolescents and emerging adults typically explore various roles and behaviors as they commit to their own unique identities. Identity development is viewed by these theorists as a critical developmental milestone addressed during emerging adulthood ( Arnett, 2000).Īdult identity is not a uni-dimensional construct, but instead is composed of an array of identities that intersect with each other in various realms of a person’s life (e.g., political, sexual, cultural, religious) and each of these identities may form at varying rates and be influenced by both similar and unique factors. More recent theorists contend that there has been an expansion of the period between childhood and adulthood for young people in industrialized societies, and consider the time between late teens and the mid-twenties to be a distinct developmental period called emerging adulthood ( Arnett, 1997, 2000). The formation of a solidified identity has been considered by many theorists to be the primary developmental goal of adolescence ( Adams, Gullotta, & Montemayor, 1992 Erikson, 1968 1980).
In order to develop a mature overall adult identity an adolescent needs to engage in both identity exploration where s/he tries out various roles/life plans and continually re-examines their degree of personal fit, and identity commitment where s/he invests in a particular course of action or belief ( Erikson, 1980 Marcia, 1980, 2007).
Future research and practice may explore the Internet as a platform for promoting the healthy development of gay and bisexual male adolescents by providing a developmentally and culturally appropriate venue for the exploration and subsequent commitment to an integrated sexual orientation identity.ĭuring adolescence individuals explore various sexual, occupational, ideological, and cultural roles as they attempt to integrate their life experiences and solidify their unique and mature personal adult identity ( Erikson, 1980). Youth reported that the Internet provided a range of functions with regard to the exploration and acceptance of their sexual orientation identity, including: 1) increasing self awareness of sexual orientation identity 2) learning about gay/bisexual community life 3) communicating with other gay/bisexual people 4) meeting other gay/bisexual people 5) finding comfort and acceptance with sexual orientation and 6) facilitating the coming out process. Participants reported using a range of Internet applications as they explored and came to accept their sexual orientation identity, with the intended purpose and degree of anonymity desired determining which applications were used. Qualitative interviews were conducted with an ethnically diverse sample of 63 gay/bisexual male adolescents (ages 15–23).
The purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine the role of the Internet in facilitating the sexual orientation identity development process of gay and bisexual male adolescents. One emerging avenue for the exploration of adolescents’ sexual orientation identity development is the Internet since it allows for varying degrees of anonymity and exploration.